Devices and methods for the preparation of intervertebral discs

Abstract

A power tool for removing an intervertebral disc and preparing vertebral endplates is described. The power tool may include a cutting element, and the height of the cutting element may be adjustable. The cutting element may be a braided cable and may include one or more beads to enhance the effectiveness of the cable. The cutting element may have a minimum height requirement, which may not be satisfied in patients with a collapsed disc due to degenerative disc disorder. For these patients, also described are bone tamps for increasing the intervertebral distance and providing access to tissues distal to the tamp. One type of bone tamp features an inflatable balloon with an inner lumen. Another type of bone tamp includes an expanding distal end and an inner cannula. Also described is a manual expander scraper tool that is compatible with both types of bone tamp.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A device for the removal of an intervertebral disc or a portion thereof, the device comprising:
 an outer portion configured to be manipulated by a user of the device; 
 an outer sheath connected to the outer portion; 
 an inner core connected to the outer portion and extending through the outer sheath, the inner core defining a longitudinal axis and coupled to a proximal end of a flexible U-shaped cutting element located distal to a distal end of the outer sheath, wherein a distal end of the U-shaped cutting element is directly coupled to a ring, the proximal end of the U-shaped cutting element being closer to the outer portion than the distal end of the U-shaped cutting element, the U-shaped cutting element extending radially outward from the longitudinal axis and then further extending radially inward toward the longitudinal axis to form the U-shape; 
 an outer core surrounding and connected to the inner core and located between the inner core and the outer sheath; 
 a motor configured to rotate the inner core; and 
 a control configured to adjust a height of the flexible U-shaped cutting element such that when the proximal end of the U-shaped cutting element moves distally relative to the distal end of the U-shaped cutting element and the ring, the height of the U-shaped cutting element increases; 
 wherein an auger extends from a distal end of the outer core to a proximal end of the outer core, the auger configured to rotate to remove tissue and bone material that has been cut by the flexible U-shaped cutting element, 
 wherein when the inner core is moved from a first position to a second position in an axis parallel to the outer sheath, the flexible U-shaped cutting element extends in a plane transverse to the axis parallel to the outer sheath. 
 
     
     
       2. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the outer core is configured to be rotated by one of the motor or the inner core. 
     
     
       3. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible U-shaped cutting element comprises a metal, a superelastic metal, or a polymer. 
     
     
       4. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible U-shaped cutting element comprises a braided cable, a linked chain, a dual blade, or a flexible member. 
     
     
       5. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible U-shaped cutting element comprises a braided cable and at least one bead. 
     
     
       6. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the control is a trigger configured to be squeezed by a user of the device. 
     
     
       7. The device of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one battery configured to provide power to the motor. 
     
     
       8. The device of  claim 1 , wherein the flexible U-shaped cutting element is adjustable to a height between about 0 mm and about 20 mm. 
     
     
       9. The device of  claim 8 , wherein the flexible U-shaped cutting element is adjustable to a height between about 4 mm and about 16 mm.